Bountiful September!

So how is the first week of school going? Ready for the weekend yet?

We hope you’re planning a visit to the market on Saturday because the September harvest is in full swing. We’ve ignored eggplant of late in this blog, other than including it in a ratatouille recipe, where it was merely a cast member.

But lovable, versatile eggplant really does deserve star status. And, lo and behold, Harlem Valley Homestead is offering 20 percent off all of their eggplant varieties including the adorable fairytale eggplant, the thick “standard” Italian eggplant no Italian kitchen would be without, and the slim and light purple “Asian'” eggplant.

Try this enchanting recipe for fairy tale eggplant. Or this recipe for grilled regular eggplant with a garlicky tahini yogurt sauce. 

Need garlic? Harlem Valley has way too much garlic and is eager to offload it, so they are offering 20 percent off bulk purchases. This includes their “Wingdale Red” variety, which they've grown and replanted for six years running. It’s named for the location of the farm. 

Is there a BLT in your future? The following items are also being offered at a 20 percent discount so each is $12.80 instead of $16.
Smoked, no nitrate sliced deli ham (cured and ready to go); Smoked, no nitrate hot dogs and Burger patties  (pre-formed). And there are still plenty of heirlooms to be had at the market for that sandwich.

Plums, plums, plums. Like eggplant, they come in various shades of purple and scarlet. Plums are so delicious cooked into sweet desserts or into sweet/savory preparations like this plum, rosemary and ginger jam. It would be a crime to mention plum recipes without including Marian Burros’ sought-after recipe for plum torte. 

I might just make one for my mom’s 90th birthday which happens to be Saturday.

She’s a testament to eating healthy, mostly organic and always fresh food for most of her life. You may have seen her walking around the market in her chic leggings and sweaters and sparkly blue earrings. Her favorite things at the market: monkfish and skate wing from Pura Vida, Cinderella goat cheese from Painted Goat Farm and the coarse country pâté from Larchmont Charcuterie.  One of her favorite Saturday rituals is enjoying a lemon, butter crèpe from Thierry at a cafe table and watching the activity around the music tent. Joyeux Anniversaire, maman!

Flowers! The lisianthus bouquets at the Thousand Leaf Farm tent are so stunning. It’s easy to overlook the other items they sell. But please note they also grow tender, spicy arugula and zesty salad mixes at this farm. Look at the greens first this week, then buy the flowers. 

Also: please welcome new vendor Urban Bohemia specializing in all things delicious and vegan and served in a soup or salad bowl. Chef Allison used to draw compulsively as a child, and dreamed of being an artist, but went into teaching instead. She says she’s channeled her artistic bent into her cooking. And, clearly her display. No need to be vegan to enjoy her artful menu.

See you at the market!